Doha: The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, supported by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to launch a critical livestock restocking initiative in Al Jazirah State. The initiative aims to improve food security, enhance nutrition, and restore self-reliance for households affected by the ongoing crisis.
According to Qatar News Agency, Sudan's livestock sector is a crucial source of nutrition and income for millions. However, the conflict escalation in Al Jazirah in 2023 led to widespread herd loss, leaving thousands of families without access to essential resources like milk and meat. The new initiative seeks to address these urgent needs by helping families rebuild their herds and strengthen their resilience amidst prolonged instability.
FAO will distribute 5,000 goats to 1,000 vulnerable pastoral and agro-pastoral households along the Al-Hiwaiwa canal, with 60 percent being women-headed households. Each family will receive five goats (four females and one male) to re-establish productive herds providing both nutrition and income. Additionally, households will receive concentrated animal feed and mineral supplements to boost milk production and reduce malnutrition rates, especially among children.
The distribution will be complemented by targeted training on animal husbandry, feeding practices, and herd management to ensure sustainability. This training will equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term stability.
HE Acting Head of Humanitarian Programs and Projects at QFFD, Sheikha Muthayel Al-Thani, emphasized the program's role in restoring livelihoods and food security. HE Head of Silatech Technical of the EAA Foundation, Noora Faisal Al-Thani, highlighted the initiative's commitment to upholding dignity and creating pathways to opportunity for affected families. FAO Representative in Sudan, Hongjie Yang, stressed the critical timing and urgent needs addressed by the initiative.
This program is made possible through the generous support of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), as part of efforts to revitalise the Gezira Scheme, reinforce food security, and create meaningful economic opportunities, contributing to a more stable and sustainable future for the people of Sudan.